The Nobel Committee has awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and democracy advocate, despite strong public campaigns calling for President Donald Trump to receive the honor.
Machado, known for her longstanding fight against authoritarian rule in Venezuela, was recognized for her “persistent and courageous struggle for democratic rights and nonviolent reform,” according to the official statement from Oslo.
However, this year’s selection sparked intense debate, as many of Trump’s supporters — and even Israeli officials — had called for his recognition in light of his role in brokering a historic peace deal between Israel and Hamas, which brought a temporary halt to hostilities and opened new diplomatic channels.
Trump’s Growing List of Nominations
President Trump, who has already received several high-profile nominations since returning to office, was not eligible for this year’s prize. The committee’s nomination deadline was January 31, making him a candidate only for next year’s award.
During a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Trump was asked about the Nobel Peace Prize but avoided direct comment. Instead, he spoke about the possibility of addressing Israel’s Knesset, underscoring his continuing involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Support From Israel
Earlier in the week, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum — a group representing victims and hostages’ relatives — sent a letter to the Nobel Committee endorsing Trump.
“No leader has contributed more to peace around the world than President Trump,” the letter stated.
“He has not merely spoken of peace — he has delivered it.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also personally nominated Trump for the award during a July visit to Washington, presenting him with a copy of his formal letter to the committee.
“The president has already realized great opportunities,” Netanyahu said. “He forged the Abraham Accords and continues to expand peace across regions.”
Past Nominations and Legacy
Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times, most notably in 2020 for the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Had he won, he would have joined a short list of American presidents who received the prize, including Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Woodrow Wilson, and Theodore Roosevelt.
While opinions remain divided, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize reinforces the Committee’s commitment to recognizing grassroots movements and democratic activism, even as global attention focuses on high-profile political deals.
